Map showing campground location near Moab, Utah

Camper submitted image from Potato Bottom Campground — Canyonlands National Park

Potato Bottom Campground — Canyonlands National Park

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Down in the canyon bottom along the White Rim Road, Potato Bottom sits well below the mesa rims that frame it, giving campers a ground-level perspective on the surrounding rock walls rather than any elevated overlook. Getting there takes commitment. Reviewers driving trucks and 4x4 vehicles report a roughly two-hour approach through rugged terrain, with several sections that require four-wheel drive. The road alone filters out casual visitors, which contributes to the low-traffic atmosphere most reviewers describe.

The campground has three designated sites, each with its own character. Site A sits apart from B and C in a thicket, while B and C share the shade of large cottonwood trees, a notable feature in an otherwise exposed desert landscape. A vault toilet is on-site, though it requires a short walk from the sites. Insects are a real consideration: gnats and mosquitoes both come up in reviews, so bug protection is worth packing. Stargazing after dark draws consistent praise from visitors. Pets are welcome, and for those traveling with dogs, dog-friendly camping near Canyonlands National Park extends well beyond this single site.

Potato Bottom is one stop along the 100-mile White Rim Trail, where permit camping runs around $15 per night. Nearby options on the same route include Hardscrabble Bottom Backcountry Campsites to the north and Candlestick Backcountry Campsites to the southeast. Allan calls it "probably the most secluded and quietest spot you'll ever camp," a characterization that holds up across multiple independent reviews. Campers planning a multi-day White Rim loop will find this a reliable overnight stop with shade, facilities, and genuine remoteness.

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Map & DirectionsPotato Bottom Campground is located in Utah near Moab

Public Campground

Coordinates

38.43263704 N
110.01540275 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Reservable
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

4 hrs 9 min from Grand Junction, CO
5 hrs 34 min from Provo, UT
6 hrs 1 min from Farmington, NM
6 hrs 5 min from Salt Lake City, UT

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Potato Bottom Campground

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5 Stars

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5.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Anthony

Traveler

Reviewed Nov. 23, 2020

Tent- group

Awesome experience with a good group of people.

Allan

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 2, 2020

Will never forget

First time here from kansas. Was a very breath taking drive in. Took almost 2 hours through the terrain but got through fine with a ram 2500 diesel. You will need 4x4 in a few spots. Probably the most secluded and quietest spot you’ll ever camp. Only down side was the gnats at night but having a propane lantern in the distance took care of that.

(14) View All

Laura P.

Guide

Reviewed May. 24, 2020

A little tough to find, but worth it

The second stop when we did the White Rim trail, it was pretty much a minimally marked site with a vault toilet a bit of a walk away. We brought our camp stove for cooking, and enjoyed a quiet evening in the tree shade. BEAUTIFUL stargazing!

Brittany H.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 17, 2019

White Rim Trail Camping.

Permit camping throughout the 100 mile White Rim Trail. (About $15 a night). This campsite was super quiet. Sunset looks beautiful on the rocks. There is no elevated view, you are down in the bottom of the canyon. There are restrooms on site. An owl visited our campsite during the night, which was awesome! Mosquitoville, so come prepared. 😳

(4) View All

Tori C.

Scout

Reviewed Apr. 29, 2019

Permit Camping on White Rim road

Best campsites on the White Rim Road. A is in a thicket if sorts, B has two large cottonwoods, C has even more cottonwoods. A is quite far from B and C.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Potato Bottom Campground?

Potato Bottom Campground offers minimal amenities, as it's a primitive backcountry site. There are vault toilets located a short walk from the campsites. Natural shade is available from cottonwood trees, particularly at sites B and C which have large cottonwoods, while site A is situated in a thicket. There are no water sources, electricity, or trash services, so campers must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. The campground's remote location provides exceptional stargazing opportunities in the clear night skies.

Where is Potato Bottom Campground located and how do I access it?

Potato Bottom Campground is located along the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park. The campground sits at the bottom of the canyon, offering beautiful views of the surrounding rock formations. Access requires traveling approximately 2 hours on the 100-mile White Rim Trail, a challenging route that requires 4x4 vehicles in several sections. The drive is scenic but demands careful navigation through rugged terrain. The campground consists of three distinct sites (A, B, and C) with site A positioned somewhat separate from the other two.

Is Potato Bottom Campground suitable for RVs or is it tent-only?

Potato Bottom Campground is not suitable for standard RVs. The challenging 4x4 road conditions on the White Rim Trail make access difficult for anything other than high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles. While some larger vehicles like a RAM 2500 diesel truck can navigate the terrain, conventional RVs cannot access this remote location. The campground is best suited for tent camping, with sites offering natural shade from cottonwood trees. Bring all necessary camping equipment, including a camp stove for cooking.

Do I need a reservation for Potato Bottom Campground or is it first-come, first-served?

A permit is required to camp at Potato Bottom Campground, which costs approximately $15 per night. The campground operates on a reservation system, not first-come, first-served. Since Potato Bottom is part of the backcountry camping system along the White Rim Trail, permits must be obtained in advance through the National Park Service. These permits can be competitive, especially during peak seasons, so it's advisable to plan well ahead of your intended visit and secure your reservation early.

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